RUSSIA'S PROBLEMS

Otago Witness, Issue 3312, 5 September 1917, Page 45

RUSSIA'S PROBLEMS

THE MOSCOW CONFERENCE. (By Cable.) At the> conference M. Kerensky said the Pope's Peace Note was not formulated on Russia's behalf, but in the interests of the Central Powers. The Minister of Trade unfolded the Government's programme as follows:—A fixed working day, compulsory arbitration, limitation of profits, State control of factories, and national service for males. Sunday's meetings were devoted to a discussion on M. Kerensky's speech by the separate conferences. The discussion by the various parties disclosed little signs of agreement. Life in Moscow is now normal, and the strike has ended. Prompt Government action settled the strike. The military were called out. M. Kerensky telegraphed that he was resolved instantly to suppress any disorder. THE ARMY DISORGANISATION. General Korniloff received an ovation at the conference at Moscow. Replying to the speeches of welcome, he said he rejoiced that he was able to assure the army that Moscow's voice was averse from internationalism, and that its motto was: " The nation's welfare and a victorious war." The feature of the conference at Moscow was the remarkable speech of General Korniloff, emphasising the disorganisation of the Russian army and outlining remedial measures.

He declared that the death penalty was only a small part of what was necessary. He mentioned that in August some soldiers, who had killed their officers, ceased their outrages only when threatened with shooting; also that a regiment of Siberian Rifles, which had abandoned the Riga front, returned to duty only when its extermination was ordered. " We are implicitly fighting anarchy in the army," he said. "The situation at the front is so bad that we have lost the whole of Galicia, the whole of the Bukowina, and all the fruits of our recent victories. The enemy have crossed our frontier at several points, are threatening our fertile southern provinces, and are endeavouring to destroy the Rumanian army. They are knocking at the gates of Riga, and if our army does not help us to hold the shore of the Gulf of Riga the road to Petrograd will be opened wide." General Korniloff emphasised the fact that the disorganisation of the army was due to the acts of people completely ignorant of military affairs. He urged the immediate adoption of remedial measures, including the strengthening of the authority of officers and non-commissioned officers, improving officers' pay, and foz'bidding regimental committees to participate in the decision of military operations or in the appointment of leaders. He urged that similar measures must also be applied behind the lines. The condition of the railways was such that by November the army would not receive any supplies. The south-west front even at present was almost famished. The output of guns and shells had fallen by 60 per cent., and of aeroplanes by 80 per cent., compared with the period between October, 1916, and January, 1917. General Korniloff concluded by saying that he believed the genius and reason of the Russians would save the country and the ancient glory of the army would be restored.

The United Press correspondent reports that at the Moscow Conference General Alexieff confirmed the worst that General Korniloff had said about the disorganisation of the army. The old army had a strong, warlike spirit, but the present army was poisoned and enfeebled by illinterpreted, ill-applied doctrines, and was split into two opposite camps —namely, officers and soldiers with a sense of duty, and those without. The deference of soldiers towards their officers had disappeared. The officers were becoming veritable martyrs. He instanced an attack being launched which consisted of 28 officers, 20 non-commissioned officers, and two soldiers. The balance of the soldiers coldly watched these heroes perish. M. Tchkeidze, the president, and all the Russian Soldiers and Workmen's Council delegates followed General Korniloff. They demanded internal reforms. The reference to army reforms was vague. They merely asked that the powers of commanders and committees should be limited. They urged that all the nationalities in Russia should be allowed to work out their own destiny, after agreement with the Constituent Assembly. RIVAL LEADERS. Mr Wilton, correspondent of The Times, telegraphs that M. Kerensky telephoned to General Korniloff that the Government did not desire him to address the Moscow Conference, but Genera] Korniloff felt bound to tell the country the truth about the army, which the Premier and his colleagues had not disclosed. The feeling is distinctly unfavourable to M. Kerensky. He lost his chance when he failed to speak the whole truth. The message adds : " General Korniloff had a great ovation in the street from the crowds, and our hope for the future lies in Korniloff and his friends." Mr Wilton further states that M. Kerensky shirked an interview with General Korniloff on Sunday. There is much talk about a conflict between General Korniloff and M. Kerensky over the departure of M. Savinkoff. General Korniloff insists that M. Savinkoff must remain in charge of the War Office. On the other hand, M. Kerensky has adopted such a tone towards M. Savinkoff that the latter was compelled to resign. [M. Savinkoff has withdrawn his resignation and will deal immediately with the organisation behind the lines.] These disagreements closely connected with the impending army reforms.

General Alexieff, as spokesman of the Officers' League, announced that he was determined to speak without fear regarding the army. Mr Wilton reports that the behaviour of the troops on the Riga and Rumanian fronts, which are now seriously imperilled by Wholesale defections, have destroyed any chance of the maintenance of the existing system. General Korniloff has again urgently appealed to the Provisional Government for the immediate restoration of a programme of reforms. VIEWS OF DELEGATES. At the Moscow Conference, M. Proloff, representing the Engineers' Alliance, emphasised the view that the complete disorganisation of transport might have terrible consequences, as the armies might turn on Russia and commit excesses. The disorganisation was largely due to the extreme demands of those engaged in the transport services. Representatives of the Ukraine and West Russia declared that the people there were ready to make any sacrifice for their country. Representative Zetts said that CourJamd would never belong to Germany. The delegate-general of the Mussulman Alliance declared that all the Mussulmans in Russia fully supported the Government. M. Orekoff, chiftf spokesman for the railroad workers, declared that the railroad men would disrupt the counterrevolution by a nation-wide tying up of communications. He did not doubt that the counter-revolution was growing. M. Grouzinoff, representing the Zemstvos, urged support for General Korniloff. M. Proloff, the railway engineers' representative, declared that the railroad men's demands were responsible for the disorganisation of transportation. M. Gronzenberg, the Jewish delegate, pledged the loyalty of all Russian Jews. The Ukrainians declared that their province was ready for any sacrifice for the good of the nation. The Mussulmans pledged their loyalty. Mr Wilton (Times correspondent) cables from Petrograd: "If hope still lingered in Russian breasts that the Moscow Conference could accomplish a miracle of social healing, it quenched to-day. The Council of Workmen and Soldiers' Delegates paid no, heed to the appeals to sink differences and save the country. They cheered M. Kerensky, if only to display their opposition to General Korniloff'."

Prince' Kropotkin, the former political exile, addressing the Moscow Congress, recommended a vigorous prosecution of the war, otherwise Germany would retain the occupied territories and extend her conquests. M. Plekhanoff, another veteran revolutionary, fervently appealed to the industrialists to co-operate in effecting social reforms.

Two of the industrialists were selected as the leading spokesmen, and they responded, promising that the democracy would co-operate in the interests of the whole country. The Moscow Conference has closed.

The representatives of the agrarian organisations and the banks evoked great indignation by declaring that the Soldiers' and Workmen's Committees had disorganised industry, also severely criticising the revolutionary movements. M. Kerensky, in his closing speech, said the views expressed at the conference manifested a desire to arrive at an agreement with the Provisional Government. He emphasised the statement that the Provisional Government would not suffer a counter revolutionary movement. M. Kerensky announced the inflexible, determination of the Government to restore discipline in the army. He warned the forces of anarchy that they would find an implacable enemy in democratic Russia. In conclusion, he said: "As Minister of Justice I abolished the death penalty, and as Minister of War I decree that it is necessary partially to re-establish it. This re-establishment hurts us to the very.soul, but for the salvation of the country we will kill with all our soul." ACTION BY GOVERNMENT. The Provisional Government has issued a statement reiterating its confidence in General Korniloff, and announces the adoption of the disciplinary measures he stipulated. The Government agrees that serious energetic measures are necessary to reestablish the army's fighting capacity. There is no question of superseding General Korniloff.

The War Minister has published particulars showing that the Ukraine separatist agitation is due to an Austro-German organisation. It is reported that action has been taken depriving the Don Cossacks of their historic privileges. One result has been to make the Kallin a simple soldier. Though all Cossack armies are not yet affected, it is feared that the action may affect 12 armies belonging to the Cossack League, which is powerfully represented at the Moscow Congress, and has always been staunch to Russia and set an example of devotion during the recent upheavals, stoutly supporting General Korniloff's demands. It is believed that the action against the Cossacks originated at the Moscow Congress, where a section resented the presence of Cossack representatives. The Cossacks' attitude is awaited with intense interest. AMERICAN CONFIDENCE. President Wilson has sent to the Moscow Conference a pledge of America's moral and financial assistance. He added that the United States had confidence in the ultimate triumph of Russia's ideals for democracy and self-government, against enemies both within and without. The Russian Embassy (Washington) has been informed that the Conference agreed to a programme recognising the necessity for concentrating and winning the war, the establishment of a strong centralising power, and the individuality of Russian territories and nationalities. It also nn-

animously agreed to support the Provisional Government.

The New York Sun's Washington correspondent reports that diplomatic exchanges indicate that the Entente Powers have agreed that measures to save Russia can best be exercised through the United States, treating Mr Wilson as the virtual leader of action as regards Russia. The Bourse Gazette says: The United States proposes to advance Russia a loan of five milliards of roubles.

The Government has authorised the admission of women into the State service on the same conditions as men. Four thousand million roubles have been subscribed to the Liberty Loan.

DISAPPOINTMENT IN GERMANY. The reports of the Moscow Conference have proved a great disappointment in Germany, where it was hoped that Russia would forsake her Allies. The newspapers disclose char gin. The Lokal Anzeiger says Germany is prepared to offer Russia an honourable peace. A STRIKE ABANDONED. In consequence of the rejection of their demands, the engine-drivers have decided to strike. The Government threatened very strong measures in the matter. The Government have commandeered the corn supplies in the provinces near the south-west and Rumanian fronts, owing to the grave shortage of flour. The engine-drivers abandoned the idea of striking, pending negotiations. AN ANTI-REVOLUTION PLOT. The newspapers state that an anti-revo-lution plot was discovered in Petrograd while the Moscow Conference was sitting. Its leaders include well-known politicians and several army officers. Several have been arrested, mostly outside Petrograd. IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES. At the trial of General Sukhomlinoff, exMinister of War, General Lihelson, military attache at Berlin from 1906 to 1911, gave evidence that the Russian Ministry of War was aware that Germany was contemplating a declaration of war in 1904 and again in 1913. Tlie President of the Court asked with which Power Germany proposed to ally herself. '

The answer to this question was given behind closed doors.

M. Rodzianko bore testimony that the Duma before the war recognised M. Sukhomlinoff's criminal slowness in the organisation of the army. Accused, after the outbreak, systematically late the production of shells, notwithstanding appeals from the front, including those from the Grand Duke Nicholas. M. Rodzianko specially journeyed to Galicia, and what he saw there filled himi with terror. He dramatically indicted M. Sukhomlinoff for the enormous losses suffered in the retreat from there. Other political men and other personages gave evidence that they directly attributed Russia's unpreparedness to M. Sukhomlinoff. UNREST IN FINLAND. A correspondent at Helsingfors reports that Russian troops have occupied the Parliament building to prevent the reassembly of the Finnish Diet. The sentries stopped 100 Socialists and other deputies attempting to enter, but there was no disorder. The President of the Diet has protested to the Governor-general of Finland. Numbers of people were killed or wounded during several hours' fighting between the Finnish population of Bjornebo'rg and the Russian garrison. The Finnish deputies .respected the decree for closing the Diet, but a number of Socialist members met privately. There are indications that normal relations with the Russian Provisional Government will be resumed. INDEPENDENCE OF POLAND. " The Lokal Anzeiger (Berlin) announces that the entire new State Council of Poland has resigned, on the ground that the restoration of the Polish State is too slow ; also it has great objections to the AustroGerman proposals to absorb the Polish army. There are indications that the Polish leaders, if not actually striving after a public alliance with Russia, are seeking to assume a neutral attitude, and the Lokal Anzeiger urges Germany to maintain her own safety. Germany has committed another breach of faith with Poland. The Polish National Council, formed under German auspices, has resigned owing to a German order sending the so-called Polish Legion to the Austrian front in defiance of the agreement.